Distillation: the Alchemy of Separation

[Paul Ferguson]

"Distillation is far more than a technical process for concentrating alcohol—it is a foundational technology that transformed medicine, science, trade, colonialism, labor systems, and public health across five centuries. This article traces its evolution from medieval apothecaries to industrial-scale spirits production, analyzing measurable impacts on mortality rates, taxation policy, gender roles, and global commodity chains."

https://glassandnote.com/culture/distilling